Course Description
The Site Assessment & Design Principles will provide an in-depth study of the urban landscape. This course will focus on proper site assessment, plant selection and design principles, “Right Tree/Right Place/No Place”. We will assess current site conditions; evaluate existing plants and discuss steps to modify the planting design when appropriate. We will discuss climate, microclimates and structural factors, including limitations to both above and below ground spaces. Soil compaction, drainage areas and aeration will be discussed as they relate to a successful landscape design. We will also review various site sketch plans and note their importance to a successful design. A 20-question multiple choice quiz will be given at end of class.
Recommended Reading
Trees in the Urban Landscape, Nina Bassuck, Peter Trowbridge, 2004
Provided Equipment
Kelway pH/ Moisture Meter, soil compaction tester, shovels, basic site sketch materials
Day One
During the morning session, we will discuss proper site assessment, plant selection and design (simple site sketches). This session will involve PowerPoint demonstrations and various handouts. The afternoon session will be spent in the field performing visual site assessments. We will cover the Site Assessment Checklist and perform simple site sketches. Group discussion will be encouraged.
Outcomes
Become familiar with steps to proper site assessment. Become proficient with “hands-on” simple site sketches.
